It is essential to consider the possible consequences of a dock or seawall on marine life in the surrounding region while building a dock or seawall. Seawalls and docks can disrupt the natural habitat of marine organisms and contribute to water pollution. However, with proper planning and consideration, it’s possible to minimize these negative impacts and create a sustainable structure that benefits both humans and sealife.
We recently spoke with a marine construction company that specializes in reducing the impacts of new construction on aquatic life, named Hollywood Marine Construction. Here’s the condensed version of what HMC said on how to avoid negative impacts on sealife when having a dock or seawall installed. We’ve also included a few tips from them where it’s applicable:
- Know the regulations
It is crucial to research the local rules and obtain the necessary licenses before beginning any kind of construction in your location, especially if you want to construct a dock or seawall. As a result, it is critical to conduct research and consult with the appropriate authorities in your region before acting on any of these restrictions. To comply with these laws, the environment must be maintained at all costs, and the building process must conform to ecologically acceptable methods. - Choose the right materials
The materials you choose for your dock or seawall can have a significant impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Avoid using materials that can leach chemicals or create micro-plastic pollution, such as pressure-treated wood or plastic. You should instead choose a more sustainable material, like recycled plastic or bamboo. Both of these materials are extremely durable, require little in the way of upkeep, and are kind to the environment.
- Consider the design
The design of your dock or seawall can also have an impact on the surrounding sealife. For example, a straight seawall can create a barrier to water flow, which can lead to erosion and changes in the habitat of marine organisms. Consider incorporating features such as sloping walls, small gaps, and ledges to encourage water flow and provide shelter for marine life. - Limit the footprint
It is imperative that the footprint of a dock or seawall be minimized to the greatest extent feasible during construction. Avoid constructing buildings that stick out too far into the ocean or that invade delicate ecosystems such as seagrass beds or coral reefs if at all possible. To reduce the amount of damage done to the bottom, you might want to think about constructing a floating dock rather than a permanent construction, assuming your municipality allows it. - Avoid dredging, if possible
Due to the fact that it disrupts the bottom and may cause potentially dangerous sediments to be released into the ocean, dredging may have a substantial influence on the environment that is nearby. Avoid dredging if possible and choose a location for your dock or seawall that doesn’t require significant excavation. - Monitor for pollution
Construction can create pollution such as sediment runoff, chemicals, and waste materials. It’s important to monitor the construction site for pollution and take steps to prevent it from entering the water. This can include using silt fences, implementing erosion control measures, and disposing of waste materials properly. - Use eco-friendly practices
When building a dock or seawall, it’s important to use eco-friendly practices as much as possible. This can include using low-impact construction methods, using renewable energy sources such as solar panels, and choosing sustainable materials. By incorporating these practices into your construction plan, you can minimize the impact on the surrounding environment and create a structure that benefits both humans and sealife.
In conclusion, building a dock or seawall can have a significant impact on the surrounding sea life if not done properly. It’s important to know the regulations, choose the right materials, consider the design, limit the footprint, avoid dredging, monitor for pollution, and use eco-friendly practices. You will be able to construct a long-lasting structure that improves the natural habitat of marine species and makes a positive contribution to the overall health of the ecosystem if you follow these procedures.